Crop And Weather Report Shows Moisture Improving But Still Very Low

scottv- November 14, 2012- November 14, 2012Comments Off on Crop And Weather Report Shows Moisture Improving But Still Very Low

In the latest crops and weather report:

Although the State received precipitation during the week, moisture levels are a concern across much of Iowa as farmers contemplate starting the 2013 crop season with low moisture levels according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Field Office. With most farmers having completed field work, the week’s most common field activities were application of anhydrous, tiling, and repairing waterways.

There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork statewide during the past week. Topsoil moisture levels improved to 23 percent very short, 36 percent short, 39 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture is rated at 61 percent very short, 31 percent short, 8 percent adequate, and 0 percent surplus. Grain movement continues to slow, with just 19 percent of the State seeing moderate to heavy grain movement from farm to elevator. Ninety-nine percent of the State reports adequate or surplus off-farm storage capacity and 97 percent of the State reports adequate or surplus on-farm storage capacity.

Ninety-nine percent of the corn crop has been harvested for grain or seed, three weeks ahead of normal. Ninety-nine percent of the State’s soybean crop has been harvested. South Central Iowa lags behind all other districts for crop harvest with 94 percent and 96 percent complete for corn and soybeans, respectively.

Hay supplies are still considered short across 45 percent of Iowa with 37 percent of the hay supply considered in good condition. Livestock conditions are normal as cattle adjust to recent temperature swings. Farmers are continuing to graze cattle on fields of corn stalks.